Mexico · North America
Mexico City
World-class food, muralist art and Aztec history
Trip length
4–5 days
Best time
March–May and October–November (dry season)
Mid-range budget
$80–140 / day
Overview
CDMX is one of the planet's great food and culture capitals — leafy walkable neighbourhoods, Aztec ruins beside colonial cathedrals, and a taco on every corner that could ruin you for taquerias elsewhere. It's huge and high (2,240m), so pace yourself: mornings for sights, afternoons for markets and mezcal.
Where to stay & explore
Roma & Condesa
Tree-lined art-deco streets, the best cafés and restaurants — the traveller's favourite base.
Centro Histórico
The Zócalo, cathedral, Templo Mayor ruins and Bellas Artes — the grand, historic heart.
Coyoacán
Cobbled southern village with the Frida Kahlo house, markets and a bohemian, calmer feel.
Polanco
Upscale dining and museums (Soumaya, Chapultepec) — the polished, high-end quarter.
Top attractions
- Teotihuacán pyramids day trip
- Frida Kahlo's Casa Azul in Coyoacán
- The murals of Palacio de Bellas Artes and Diego Rivera
- A taco and mezcal crawl through Roma
- A boat on the canals of Xochimilco
Sample itinerary
Historic centre
Zócalo, cathedral, Templo Mayor and Bellas Artes, then rooftop views over the square.
Teotihuacán
Early to the pyramids of the Sun and Moon, back for tacos and mezcal in Roma.
Frida & canals
Casa Azul in Coyoacán, then a colourful trajinera boat on the Xochimilco canals.
Budget guide
Budget
$35–55 / day
Hostels, street food, public transport
Mid-range
$80–140 / day
Boutique stays, restaurants, some tours
Luxury
$300+ / day
Top hotels, fine dining, private guides
Approximate spend per person, per day, excluding flights.
Practical travel tips
- 1Use Uber/DiDi and the metro rather than hailing street taxis at night.
- 2Drink bottled or filtered water; street food is fantastic — pick busy, high-turnover stalls.
- 3Take it easy on day one — the altitude tires you and dulls the appetite until you adjust.
- 4Book the Frida Kahlo museum online in advance; timed tickets sell out.
Plan your own Mexico City trip
Turn this guide into a personalised 4–5 days itinerary — with hotels, restaurants and hidden gems matched to your exact budget, in seconds.